Lady Bulldogs turn up defensive intensity

Springdale High will carry the momentum of a tournament championship into its 6A-West Conference opener at home against Rogers Heritage. The Lady Bulldogs (7-4) downed conference foe Rogers High 62-50 in the finals of the Siloam Springs tournament over the holidays. Springdale coach Heather Hunsucker said defense was the key to winning the tourney title. The Lady Bulldogs also knocked off host Siloam Springs 56-37. “We did not finish well right before the Christmas break,” she said, referring to a 52-49 road loss to Webb City, Mo., on Dec. 21. “So we had a long film session and saw a lot of things we needed to clean up, then we carried that on to the practice floor and into the tournament. “I thought we came out and started better, especially against Siloam Springs. From the opening tip, it seemed like we were just more focused.” Senior Marquesha Davis, an Arkansas signee, is always going to be the focus of attention for Springdale opponents, but Hunsucker said the team has gotten a boost from a number of players like seniors Jeniya Gause and Ashlyn Minchew, sophomore Alondra Bahena and junior Alexa Bersi. “We’ve been able to blend in some new faces, and they have played well for us,” Hunsucker said. “The better they are, the better we are because of the depth they give us, especially on defense, and we’re going to need that.” Tonight’s game will be the first home game of the season for the Lady Bulldogs.